Retrograde ejaculation sounds like a great name for a rock band, but it is actually a urological condition wherein semen flows back into a male’s bladder rather than being released through his urethra during orgasm.
It is important to remember that retrograde ejaculation does not get in the way of a man’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection, and nor does it affect his ability to achieve orgasm. Retrograde ejaculation can, however, cause infertility because rather than the sperm reaching the woman’s uterus, it travels to the man’s bladder (thus, inhibiting fertilization of the woman’s eggs). It has been estimated that retrograde ejaculation is responsible for roughly 1% of all instances of male infertility in the US alone.
But what causes retrograde ejaculation? Under normal circumstances, the sphincter (a small, contracting muscle) at the bladder’s entrance closes when a man is about to ejaculate, thus preventing semen from entering the bladder and allowing it to flow out the tip of the penis. In the case of retrograde ejaculation, the sphincter does not function properly, which leads to a dramatically decreased quantity of semen emerging from the penis during orgasm or even a “dry climax,” where a man does in fact orgasm yet no liquid comes out.
This malfunctioning sphincter can be caused by a number of reasons, including:
– Nerve damage to the area due to a medical illness (for example, muscular deteriorating conditions such as multiple sclerosis or the inadequate management of long-term diabetes).
– The side effects of certain medication (in particular antidepressants).
– Damage to the nerves or muscles of the bladder following surgery (one in ten men are at risk of experiencing retrograde ejaculation following a transurethral prostatectomy which is a surgical operation wherein prostate tissue is extracted via the urethra).
A urologist can easily diagnose retrograde ejaculation by analyzing a patient’s post-climax urine sample. The good news is that when retrograde ejaculation is treated with medication, up to 40% of men go back to experiencing normal ejaculation.
If you are concerned that you are experiencing retrograde ejaculation, it pays to visit an urologist New York City. Speaking with a medical professional about your medical problems is the best way to get a handle on them and put your concerns at ease. Thankfully there are specialists that can help. At Luzato Medical Group, we have the best team of urologists to work with you to resolve any sexual or reproductive health issue you may have.
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